In his homily at Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis said Jesus wants us to seek “radical” reconciliation for our failures, including saying hurtful things to others.
POPE FRANCIS
“When do I use insults? When do I close my heart to another with an insult? Can I see the bitter root of envy there that pushes me to desire the destruction of another in order to win competition, rivalry, that type of thing? It’s not easy.”
The Holy Father urged Christians to undergo this self-reflection and pray for the grace of turning envy into friendship.
EXCERPTS FROM THE POPE'S HOMILY
(Source: Vatican Media)
“Have I insulted anyone today? When do I use insults? When do I close my heart to another with an insult? Can I see the bitter root of envy there that pushes me to desire the destruction of another in order to win competition, rivalry, that type of thing? It’s not easy. But let’s think how beautiful it would be if we never insulted others. May the Lord grant us this grace.”
“When you go to Mass and you are aware that one of your brothers has something against you, go and reconcile yourself… Jesus is that radical. Reconciliation is not the same as good manners. No, it’s a radical attitude, one that tries to respect the dignity of others as well as my own. From insult to reconciliation, from envy to friendship—this is the example that Jesus gives us today.”